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Step 1
Live oak decline or oak wilt is caused by a fungus known as Ceratocystis fagacearum which arrived in the 1940's from Eastern Europe. It can easily kill any size oak tree. First you should be aware of any cases in your area. Contact your local arborist or county extension agent and inquire about the presence of live oak decline or oak wilt in your neighborhood and look for brown and yellowing trees among healthy ones.
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Step 2
If you notice an infected tree near your property contact a local arborist. One method of preventing live oak decline or oak wilt it to dig trenches and sever the large root system that connects the oak trees in your neighborhood. There are companies that specialize in this service throughout the country. Oak trees have massive root systems and wherever the root system from one tree touches another, infection can be spread.
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Step 3
Never prune your trees in summer. If you must prune your trees do so only in winter and use a tree wound sealer, available at most garden stores, to seal the wound immediately. This will help prevent the second way that live oak decline or oak wilt is transmitted, though tree beetles carrying the fungus. Finally, if you notice any storm damaged trees, have them pruned and the open would sealed to prevent live oak decline. Visit the USDA's website in the resources section below for more information on how to prevent live oak decline.
